The list above reveals the outer peace and joy of seasonal rituals. "Getting into the Christmas Spirit" is how it's put. These set and celebrated traditions bring comfort, security, peace and hope. Something to count on and look forward to.
"Having something to look forward to can improve our attitude and outlook, and Christians always have something to look forward to." ~ Jeanette Oke
What are you looking forward to? Do you have something or someone to look forward to?
I do, but as I reflect on my desires, my heart, my attitude this Christmas, I can't help but wonder, "Where am I coming from?" "What is my focus?" My spirit, my deep thoughts, have been wrestling with a question from my Bible Study Fellowship homework. "What is most important in your life, and how does it reflect God's priorities?"
There are answers that sound good, seem appropriate, and are the "right" responses to such a powerful question. But what are the true answers? The deep, root desires of our honest heart.
The answer that I wrote is this: "To know God and do His will and share His abundance of love with those around me." But as I pondered it, sadly, the ugly was uncovered... the me, me, me... I found that my indwelling sin lined me up with the "gentiles" (anyone of non-Jewish descent) described in our verse of thanks.
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:21
I'm not saying that I've denied God, Heavens NO! I'm saying that God does not always take first priority in my life like He deserves. Like He commands. Does He need my worship or the worship/thanks of these gentiles that "knew God"? No. BUT, in His infinite wisdom, He KNOWS that I NEED to worship Him in order to have the best He has for me. I NEED Jesus, my connection to God.
I need to KNOW God like my answer to my homework question stated. Without knowing God we have no God. Relationship is required. Don't find yourself in the company of the distracted, busy, futile thinkers whose "foolish hearts were darkened" because you choose not to KNOW God. Start by giving Him the glory and thanks that He KNOWS YOU NEED. Start by accepting His great gift - Jesus.
God has already lovingly given His best to us. Immanuel - God is with us. God incarnate - Jesus Christ - the God man. God sent, sacrificed, and sanctified through His grace. Accept the gift and let Jesus cover the ugly and make you white as snow.
"Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18
Christ truly is the "Reason for the Season" and our "something to look forward to"... butter toffee is nice too.
Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.
May peace, in Christ, be yours this Christmas!
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
Thank you Merrie. I wrestled with that too and fall so short. I am so thankful for God's mercy and grace.
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